Parts of a Commercial Fire Alarm System

Mammoth Takeaways

• Commercial Fire Alarm Components: The main parts of a commercial fire alarm system include control panels, smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, notification appliances, communicators, power supplies, and building safety interfaces.
• Advanced Detector Technologies: Smoke and heat detectors use various technologies, such as photoelectric, ionization, and rate-of-rise, to accurately detect fires at different stages and conditions.
• Choosing a Professional Installer: Look for certifications, positive reviews, and extensive experience when selecting a commercial fire alarm system installer.

The very idea of losing all your hard work to a fire is devastating.

So why take that risk with an improper system or no system at all?

Commercial fire alarms, professionally installed, can protect your business, property, employees and occupants from danger. Let’s take a look at all the parts of these ingenious systems that help keep your investments safe.

What is a Commercial Fire Alarm System?

A commercial fire alarm system is the main device that protects a business’ building from fire and smoke damage. The system is an intelligent network of different sensors and hubs that work together to detect a fire incident before it progresses. These parts all play an important role in identifying different aspects of a fire in progress.

Parts of a Fire Alarm System

Let’s take an in-depth look at the different components of a commercial fire alarm.

Control Panel

This is the brain of the operation. This unit features a microprocessor and contains the ability to receive, interpret, and display information.

The control panel receives various signals from any of the peripherals, such as smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, heat detectors, and pull stations. These signals inform the unit of each device's status and also if there is a triggered incident. Once it receives the triggering notification, it activates protocol, such as contacting the monitoring center to dispatch emergency services.

Smoke Detectors

As the name suggests, these pieces of technology use sensors to identify smoke and smoke particles. There are currently three types of smoke detectors on the market, each with its own method for discovering the presence of smoke.

Photoelectric: Using a beam of light, or photons, these sensors detect smoke particles when the beam is disrupted from the sensor. Because of the denseness of carbon in smoke, it blocks the signal and alerts the device that smoke is present. However, it can also be disrupted by other environmental factors, such as steam or direct sunlight. It’s important to place these devices away from these sources as they may be more likely to activate a false alarm.

Ionization: By incorporating a very small amount of Americium-241, this detector uses a field of radiation to detect smoke. The electrically charged air between metal plates creates an ion-rich zone that can be disrupted by the presence of carbon in the air. This method is much more sensitive to smoke and is, therefore, best at detecting fast-flaming fires.

Combination (Dual Sensor): This model incorporates the best of both worlds. It uses both photoelectric methods AND ionization. Due to its use of two types of sensors, it can detect slow and fast-burning fires. These models also tend to produce fewer false alarms because the different sensors can check one another for validity.

Heat Detectors

Typically if the heat in a room reaches a certain temperature or has increased too quickly it means that there is a fire hazard present. Not all fires will produce heavy amounts of smoke, or they are occuring in a place where the smoke cannot reach the sensor. That’s where heat detectors come in.

Rate-of-Rise: Using two thermistors, or thermal resistors, this technology compares the ambient room temperature against radiant heat. When the difference in temperature between the two sensors reaches around 12-15 degrees within a 1-minute period. Rather than sensing a set temperature, it uses the quick increase to identify the presence of a fire.

Fixed Temperature: This technology incorporates a custom formulated alloy in the internal mechanism. This alloy is specially designed to melt a certain temperature. When that threshold is reached, the metal composite melts which then triggers the alarm.

Combination: Some devices on the market use both RoR and fixed temperature sensors. The dual use is believed to be more comprehensive and reliable.

Manual Pull Stations

Often seen near the entrances and exits of an establishment, manual pull stations are the hands-on method to activate a fire alarm. These stations are easily identified, and are activated when an individual pulls the “T-Bar” or handle downward. This will then immediately activate the fire safety protocols and sirens.

Notification Appliances

The term notification appliance refers to any device in the fire alarm system that alerts inhabitants to a present hazard. These devices may be strobes, alarms, sirens, voice instructions, or even app notifications.

Communicators

These are the technologies, usually incorporated into the control panel, that take the triggered alarm signal and reach out to a monitoring center for further action.

Power Supplies

Some units or peripherals may be either battery powered or hardwired into the grid. It is recommended that the fire alarm system be directly connected to the grid in order to ensure constant power supply. However, many devices may also have backup batteries in case of a power outage.

Building Safety Interfaces

Some commercial buildings and establishments require more complex and in-depth systems on their property. This could be due to needing to follow stricter NFPA 72 regulations in regards to its nature of business.

Elevator Recall Interface

When a fire breaks out in a location equipped with elevators, it is important to shut off access to these services. They are made inaccessible because, during a fire event, the elevators may shut down due to power loss, trapping people inside. The elevator shafts can also work as a chimney in a building and can become filled with smoke and heat. Another reason is so that elevators can be used by rescue staff in an emergency.

Access Control Interface

Access control can help streamline a safe evacuation. Certain doors may become locked or unlocked during a fire. This way, people can be led to a proper exit, or they will be blocked off from possible hazardous rooms such as chemical labs. Some access control systems also allow for audio communications.

HVAC Shutdown Interface

Since HVAC systems involve the flow of air around a building, these are usually shut down in the event of a fire. This is because the ducts can help the smoke and contaminants spread to areas that need to be protected, including evacuation areas or protected rooms.

Sprinkler System Interface

Sprinklers are activated during an alarm. These units, usually especially designed for the area or business they are in, provided fire suppression. The most common type is water sprinklers that use large volumes of water to extinguish flames. There are other types of suppression methods that may use gasses or foam. These specialty units are typically found in factories or locations that deal with materials that cannot get wet (such as electronics, chemicals, paper etc.).

Fire Department Interface

When the control panel receives the go ahead that there is a fire present, it automatically connects to a monitoring center to report the incident. This fast action means that there is less downtime and that emergency services can arrive quicker. This speedy response results in less damage to the premises and little to no loss of life.

What to Look For in a Professional Fire Alarm Installer

Since commercial fire alarm systems are necessary for protecting your business and property, it’s important to hire a professional installer who does the job right. A system is only as good as the job which was done to properly install it. When looking for a professional fire alarm installer or technician, consider the following:

Certifications: Only hire professionals who have the necessary and mandated training and licensing required to perform the work. Certified contractors will follow all local and federal regulations to ensure that your system abides by the law and provides the highest level of effectiveness and protection.

Reviews: In this digital age, we have access to all sorts of reviews and information about any company. People often leave their thoughts about their experiences to help people make a decision. It is always important to look at reviews with a critical eye. Some reviews are not worth the same weight as others and maybe ulteriorly motivated.

Experience: A company that has been around for a long time usually has a wealth of experience. This experience translates into knowledge of the many different facets of commercial fire alarm systems. Choose an installer who is familiar with a multitude of brands and technologies so that they can choose the right custom setup for your needs.

Mammoth Conclusion

If you are in the market for a comprehensive commercial fire alarm system for your business, look no further than Mammoth Security!

With years of experience and a knowledgeable, certified, and trained team, Mammoth can help you protect your business or property.

Reach out to our friendly staff today to speak with a specialist and set up a free, no-obligation, onsite evaluation!